The Game Is All Tied Up

The thrill of winning a trophy for the first time is always memorable, however, it brings up the question: Is receiving an award for participating just as exciting? Participation awards are a topic highly debated among those of all ages, with none agreeing on a single answer. Individuals who are under the impression that they are essential believe they boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. This may be true in some cases, but these trophies could be doing more harm than good. Although in the moment they may appear to be wholesome, they have a lasting effect on children as they grow older. Many children put loads of effort into winning awards, which is belittled by participation trophies that are not only unhelpful and unrewarding, but don’t teach them the important values learned by losing.

Participation trophies send a dangerous message. I have many trophies,but i worked hard for these trophies. Everyone on my team deserves my team. For the people who think giving out the same award at the end of the year to all the children; i am  sorry to inform you that your hurting the child more than not giving the child the trophy at all. Children need to know the importance of working hard than someone else. In life you do not make the same amount as your boss makes just because you show up on time everyday. Why would the kids who just show up to practice everyday vs the kids the more elite kids get the same reward. Life does not work like that.

Participation trophies are changing kids ideas of winning around the globe in many ways. First off, it gives children the wrong impression on working or putting an effort towards something. Trophies are something you should have to earn. Life doesn’t give you a participation medal, you have to earn it (Website #2). Kids just need to learn that

One reason kids should not get trophies is because some kids. Some times dont play on the field. “If kids keep getting trophies then the trophies can lose their meaning.” Only the kids that actually work for trophies should receive them. “Trophies are not an effective way to motivate players.” this explains that kids need a place on the field. This shows that kids should have a place on the field and not get trophies for nothing.

In an age where everyone is expected to be recognized, there must be an understanding that the world does not progress by congratulating the “average.” I believe that giving participation trophies makes people stop competing; especially if the trophies are given at a very early age. For example, a team of small children have a terrible baseball season, but it’s okay! Because the coach gives out trophies to everyone. This in turn only teaches the child that no matter how bad life gets, they will always be rewarded. Participation trophies create future generations of entitled adults as seen by today’s generation. We need to reward kids that work hard for what they do for the sake of risk and reward. That is simply how progress is made in society. Yet I agree with one point made by the opposing side. I believe that participation should be recognized sometimes. Participation can teach kids that teamwork matters in every little aspect of society. Participation trophies should be eliminated but participation should still merely just be recognized with a pat on the back as said by Betty Berdan, a high school junior from Connecticut. Participation trophies overall hinder the growing and learning process of kids; whether it is through sports, or any other competitive involvement.

While many writers claim that participation trophies are beneficial, writer Ashley Merryman agrees with the idea that participation trophies are more destructive than beneficial regarding the learning process of a child. The general argument made by Merryman in her work, “Forget Trophies, Let Kids Know It’s O.K. to Lose,” is that providing

A new trend across America has risen in sports. Event officials are doling out participation trophies in massive numbers. The question is, are these participation trophies negatively changing the basic American values we treasure in these children? Yes, participation trophies are shaping a new cultural norm of entitlement and it promotes a new attitude of doing nothing, yet still being rewarded for it. This trend must be put to a halt and reversed. Participation trophies are not the answer to making kids feel better about themselves.

When giving kids trophies it's supposed to be a reward for hard work. But giving trophies to everyone makes it less special. It shows kids they don’t have to do anything but

Is giving kids participation trophies beneficial to children, or motivation killers? Many people all around the U.S. have their opinions for both sides of the discussion. James Harrison, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has weighed in on this topic. In many people’s eyes, his beliefs make a lot of sense, they understand where he’s coming from and what he is speaking about. Carol Dweck also made a statement to NPR about her belief’s on the topic. There are millions of important facts that need to be talked about with this epidemic: an estimated fifty-seven percent said “only winners” should receive a trophy for participation in kids sports, giving out participation trophies is tantamount to giving kids the wrong kind of praise, and this

Elementary students who participate in group sports often receive participation awards at the end of the sports season. James Harrison posted on twitter that he felt participation trophies were wrong, because the child did not actually achieve anything. This post has caused a major controversy across the United States. Some parents agree with Harrison and say that participation trophies create a false sense of achievement, which stops their child from trying hard later on. I, however, disagree. Participation awards help kids feel like they had a part in an activity, reward children from their effort, and can help them strive for success.

There has been a lot of controversy lately if kids should get participation trophies. Participation trophies are the trophies handed out to the kids or teams that do not do good in the competition. Now my opinion is I think they should get rid of the participation trophies for good. I think it takes all the competition out of it and it makes kids think they do not have to try as hard because they know they are getting a trophy no matter what. Other people argue that if all the kids get a trophy it gives them the courage to keep playing even if they are not as good as the other kids and that they should be awarded for their efforts. I can see where they are coming from because it is good for all kids to play sports, it is a lot of fun! I think

I agree with the fact of all kids should be given trophies. I say this because if all kids are given 1 trophy that is exactly the same with everybody on the team, this way they wouldn’t feel hurt if they weren’t given a trophy. Kids that worked hard could more rewarded individually, thus showing kids that if they want a special reward they have to work hard for it so they can be successful. I think this will help kids prepare for the future and will spare any unnecessary tears.

     First, I do not think kids should get a trophy for just participating because it can send a misunderstood message. For example, the article "Should Everyone Get A Trophy?" States,"

What do you think life would be like if everyone got a trophy for just going to school or work? That would be crazy! That is not how life works, so why should kids get a participation trophy for just showing up.That is a waste of an organization's scarce funds. Also, the more trophies given out the less each one means. Youth athletes should be allowed to fail. On the other hand, some people believe it is worth a few bucks to give a kid a smile. Participation trophies are unessential for rewarding youth athletes in sports.

Should kids get trophies for participating, yes because if a kid lost a game and he did not get anything it would probably make him feel bad and most likely he would not want to play that sport again. When a child gets a trophy it shows them that they tried their hardest and gave it their all to finish and accomplish their goal. Getting a participating trophy is good because They teach kids about good sportsmanship and they teach them to accept when they lose because they tried. So is it good that everybody gets a trophy or is it bad?